The Advantage Auto Blog

Expert auto repair tips, maintenance guides, and vehicle care advice from our ASE-certified technicians in Marietta, GA.

Serving Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, Vinings, Mableton, Austell & all of Cobb County, GA.

Showing all 91 articles

Engine2026-05-26

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What Your Engine Has, What It Costs, and Why Getting It Wrong Is a $6,000 Mistake

There is one maintenance item that separates drivers who protect their engine investment from drivers who unknowingly destroy it. It's not the oil change — most people know about that. It's the timing belt.

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Maintenance2026-05-05

Your Wiper Blades Haven't Been Used in Months. That's the Problem.

If you've driven in Metro Atlanta recently, you already know — it hasn't rained. Not meaningfully, anyway.

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Maintenance2026-04-30

Why Georgia Summers Are Brutal on Your Vehicle — And What to Do About It Before It Costs You

Marietta summers are not subtle. From late May through September, temperatures regularly reach the mid-to-upper 90s with humidity that makes the air feel like a warm wet towel. If you're uncomfortable, your vehicle is working harder than it was designed to.

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Transmission2026-04-22

Transmission Service vs. Transmission Flush: What Every Marietta Driver Should Know Before Authorizing Work

A transmission service and a transmission flush sound similar and are often priced similarly — but they are not the same thing, and choosing the wrong one at the wrong time can turn a healthy transmission into an expensive problem. Here's what every Marietta driver should understand before authorizing the work.

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Transmission2026-04-19

Transmission Slipping: What It Means and Why You Need Professional Help

Transmission slipping feels like your car is losing power or revving without accelerating. Learn what causes this problem and why professional diagnosis is critical. Advantage Auto Service, Marietta.

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Engine2026-04-18

Why Your Check Engine Light Is On: Diagnosis & Next Steps

Your check engine light is on. What does it mean? Learn the most common causes, what to do immediately, and when to call a professional. From Advantage Auto Service in Marietta.

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Tires2026-04-08

Best Tires for Georgia Summers: Performance, Safety & Durability

Georgia's summer heat is intense and affects tire performance. Learn how to choose and maintain the best all-season tires for Marietta's climate.

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Battery2026-04-08

Alternator Replacement: Cost, Symptoms & When You Need It in Marietta

Your car's alternator keeps your battery charged and powers electrical systems while driving. Learn the warning signs of alternator failure, replacement costs in Marietta, and why timely repairs prevent breakdowns.

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AC2026-04-03

Summer Cooling System Guide: Keep Your A/C Running Strong in Marietta Heat

Marietta's summer heat puts stress on your vehicle's A/C system. Learn how to maintain your cooling system and avoid expensive repairs.

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Maintenance2026-03-20

Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance in Georgia: What Prius, RAV4 Hybrid & Honda Hybrid Owners Need to Know

Own a hybrid in Marietta, GA? Learn what maintenance your Toyota Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, or Honda Hybrid actually needs — and how Georgia's summer heat affects your hybrid battery. From Advantage Auto Service, Marietta's hybrid specialists.

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Tires2026-03-19

Why Proper Wheel Alignment Matters: Everything You Need to Know

Wheel alignment is one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks, yet it directly impacts your vehicle's safety, fuel economy, and tire lifespan. Learn why our state-of-the-art alignment technology matters and how to know when your vehicle needs alignment service.

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Maintenance2026-03-19

Understanding Your Oil Change: Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Learn why regular oil changes are essential for engine health, how often you should change your oil, and what's included in a professional oil change service at Advantage Auto Service.

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Brakes2026-03-19

Brake Service Explained: When to Replace Your Brakes

Your brakes are critical for safety. Learn about common brake problems, warning signs that your brakes need service, and what to expect during a professional brake inspection at Advantage Auto Service.

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AC2026-03-19

Car AC Repair: How Your Air Conditioning System Works

Stay cool all summer long. Learn how your vehicle's air conditioning system works, common AC problems, and why professional AC service is essential for comfort and safety in Georgia's heat.

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Maintenance2026-03-17

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Warm Weather

As Marietta transitions from winter to spring, it's the perfect time to give your vehicle a thorough inspection. Learn the essential spring maintenance tasks to keep your car running smoothly.

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Maintenance2026-03-04

How Often Should You Change Your Oil? A Complete Guide for Marietta Drivers

Oil change intervals have changed dramatically in the last decade. Here's what Marietta drivers need to know about conventional vs. synthetic oil, mileage myths, and how Georgia's heat affects your engine oil.

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Brakes2026-02-25

5 Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Immediate Attention in Marietta, GA

Squealing, grinding, pulling, vibrating, or a soft pedal — your brakes communicate clearly when something is wrong. Here's how to read those signals before a small repair becomes a dangerous failure.

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Maintenance2026-02-18

Cold Mornings, Holiday Traffic: Your 10-point Marietta Vehicle Prep Guide

The holidays in Marietta bring a familiar mix of cold mornings, early sunsets, rain, and packed roadways. A little vehicle prep now can save you a lot of stress later. This guide focuses on quick, practical checks that improve safety and help you avoid the most common holiday-season issues.

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Engine2026-02-11

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? The 10 Most Common Causes in Georgia

A check engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. Here are the 10 most common causes our technicians see in Marietta, GA — and what each one means for your wallet.

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Suspension2026-02-04

Suspension and Steering Problems: What the Symptoms Mean, What They Cost, and What Happens If You Wait

Your suspension and steering systems don't announce problems the way a check engine light does. They communicate through feel — a new noise over bumps, a subtle pull, a vibration at certain speeds, a steering wheel that doesn't quite feel the same as it used to.

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Maintenance2026-01-28

How to Prepare Your Car for Georgia Summer Heat

Georgia summers are brutal on vehicles. Here's a complete summer prep checklist for Marietta drivers covering coolant, A/C, tires, battery, and belts — everything you need before the heat arrives.

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Brakes2026-01-21

Brake Repair in Marietta: What's Actually Wrong, What It Costs, and When It Can't Wait

Your brakes are the most safety-critical system on your vehicle. They are also the system most commonly ignored until the problem is impossible to miss.

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Transmission2026-01-14

Transmission Fluid: What It Does, When to Change It, and What Happens If You Don't

Transmission fluid is the most overlooked maintenance item on most vehicles. Here's what it does, how to check it, and why neglecting it can turn a $150 fluid change into a $3,000 rebuild.

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Engine2026-01-07

Signs of a Cracked Exhaust Manifold — And Why Georgia Heat Makes It More Likely

The exhaust manifold is one of the most thermally stressed components on your engine. It bolts directly to the engine block, collects exhaust gases at temperatures exceeding 1,200°F, and cycles from cold to scalding hot and back again every time you drive.

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Tires2025-12-30

The Complete Guide to Tire Rotation, Balancing, and Alignment in Marietta

Rotation, balancing, and alignment are three different services that are often confused. Here's what each one does, how often you need them, and why skipping them costs you money on tires and fuel.

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Engine2025-12-17

Signs Your Mass Airflow Sensor Is Dirty or Failing — And the Filter Problem Behind It

The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed components in a modern engine.

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Maintenance2025-12-16

What Is a Multi-Point Inspection and Why Does Your Car Need One?

A multi-point inspection is a systematic check of your vehicle's major systems — not a repair, but a snapshot of your car's health. Here's what's included, what it costs, and when to get one.

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Maintenance2025-12-03

Preventative Auto Maintenance: Why Your Car Hates Georgia Summers (And What to Do About It)

Georgia summers can be harsh on vehicles due to intense heat and humidity, leading to common issues like AC system failures and battery degradation. Stop-and-go traffic further stresses the engine's cooling system, risking overheating. Preventative maintenance, including checks on the battery and AC system, is crucial to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.

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AC2025-12-02

A/C Not Blowing Cold? Here's Why — and What It Costs to Fix in Marietta

A Georgia summer with a broken A/C is miserable. Here are the most common reasons your car's air conditioning stops working, what each repair involves, and what to expect to pay at a Marietta shop.

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Tires2025-11-19

How to Tell If Your Tires Need Replacing — What Georgia Roads and Weather Demand

Most tire guides were written for a generic national audience.

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Battery2025-11-18

When Should You Replace Your Car Battery? Signs, Tests, and What to Expect

Most car batteries fail between 3 and 5 years. Here's how to tell when yours is getting close to the end, what a battery test actually measures, and what replacement costs in Marietta, GA.

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Battery2025-11-05

When to Replace Your Car Battery in Georgia — What the 3-to-5 Year Rule Doesn't Tell You

Every battery guide you'll find online says the same thing: car batteries last three to five years. Replace yours in that window and you'll avoid being stranded.

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Suspension2025-11-04

Power Steering Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Repair Costs in Marietta

Whining, stiff steering, or a fluid leak under the front of your car? Here's how to diagnose power steering problems — hydraulic vs. electric — and what repairs cost at a Marietta auto shop.

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Brakes2025-10-21

How Often to Replace Brake Pads — A Realistic Guide for Cobb County Driving

"Brake pads last 30,000 to 70,000 miles." You'll see that range on virtually every automotive website.

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Fluids2025-10-21

Coolant Flush vs. Coolant Top-Off: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Topping off coolant and flushing the cooling system are very different services. Here's when each is appropriate, what a flush actually involves, and why using the wrong coolant can damage your engine.

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AC2025-10-07

Why Is My Car A/C Blowing Warm Air? A Georgia Driver's Guide to What's Wrong and What It Costs

In most parts of the country, a malfunctioning car A/C is an inconvenience. In Georgia from May through September, it is a safety issue.

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Engine2025-10-07

Serpentine Belt: What It Does, When to Replace It, and What Happens If It Breaks

The serpentine belt drives your alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. When it breaks, everything stops. Here's how to spot wear before failure and what replacement costs in Marietta.

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Maintenance2025-09-23

What Georgia's Cold Snaps Do to Your Vehicle — And What to Check After One

Marietta doesn't get Minnesota winters. But the one or two hard freezes North Georgia sees each year can be more damaging to vehicles than a sustained cold climate — precisely because most Georgia drivers and their cars aren't prepared for it.

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Maintenance2025-09-09

What Fall Actually Does to Your Car in Georgia — And How to Stay Ahead of It

Georgia falls are deceptive. Unlike the hard, consistent cold of the Midwest or Northeast, North Georgia fall arrives in waves — a week of 80-degree weather, then an overnight drop to the low 40s, then back up again.

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Maintenance2025-08-26

Most searched European repairs

Advantage Auto Service ASE Certified technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing European cars. These vehicles are known for advanced engineering and performance. Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping these machines running smoothly. This article outlines some of the most common services their skilled team provides for European vehicles.

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Brakes2025-08-12

Stop! Check your brakes before the trip

Summer road trips are a quintessential part of the season, offering the promise of adventure and exploration. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle’s brakes are in top condition before embarking on your journey. This article outlines potential issues that can arise with vehicle brakes during a summer trip, along with preventive measures to keep you safe on the road.

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Maintenance2025-07-29

Beat the Heat: Preparing Your Vehicle’s Cooling System for Georgia Summers

As the scorching heat of summer approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle’s cooling system for Georgia’s sweltering temperatures. Neglecting it can lead to overheating, breakdowns, and costly repairs. This article discusses why checking your coolant, radiator, and water pump before summer is essential for hassle-free driving.

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AC2025-07-15

Check your Air Conditioning early

Checking your AC system before the summer heat sets in is crucial for several reasons. Identifying and addressing any issues before they escalate can prevent costly repairs down the line. A properly functioning AC system is essential for comfort and safety during hot weather.

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AC2025-07-01

Four reasons your AC needs help

In southern US states during the summer, automotive air conditioning systems face some unique challenges due to the extreme heat and humidity. Overheating, increased demand, moisture buildup, and debris and dust are a few of these challenges. These issues can lead to decreased efficiency, system failure, or other problems.

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General2025-06-17

Why a Pre-purchase Inspection is Essential for Your Next Used Car

You’ve found your dream car! It’s got all the features you were looking for, and it’s within your budget. But, before you sign on the dotted line to buy that used car, it’s important to get an inspection done. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is an essential step you should take in the car buying process. The PPI can give you a clear idea of the car’s condition, any potential problems it might have, and estimate repair costs.

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Fluids2025-06-03

The Cheapest Insurance You're Not Buying: Why Fluid Maintenance Saves Vehicles

Manufacturers extended fluid service intervals to make their cost-of-ownership numbers look better — not because the fluids last longer. Here's what fluid neglect actually costs Marietta drivers, and how the BG Lifetime Protection Plan turns routine maintenance into a transferable lifetime warranty.

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Fleet2025-05-20

Fleet Preventative Maintenance: Box Trucks & Shuttle Buses

Fleet maintenance can be tricky if you’re operating on a tight budget, but the importance of it for your buses and trucks cannot be overstated. Advantage Auto Service can help, because we believe the safety of your fleet rides, literally and figuratively, on how well it is maintained. Let’s talk about preventative maintenance for your fleet and how ignoring the services can put you and your company at risk.

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Brakes2025-05-06

Signs My SUV’s Brakes Are Overheating

If you suspect that your SUV’s brakes are overheating, pull over right away and call for a tow truck. When the brake system overheats, it may become difficult if not impossible to stop your SUV. It is better to be safe than sorry.

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Maintenance2025-04-22

Understanding Alternator Repair: A Vital Service for Your Vehicle

The alternator plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s electrical system, ensuring the proper functioning of various components. However, like any other mechanical part, alternators can experience issues over time. In this article, we will explore the importance of alternator repair, common signs of a failing alternator, and the benefits of seeking professional assistance from our reputable auto repair shop.

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Maintenance2025-04-08

The Importance of Timely Exhaust System Repair

A properly functioning exhaust system is vital to a car's performance and safety. This article outlines why timely exhaust system repair is important, common signs of issues, and what to expect from a reputable auto repair shop. Addressing these warning signs promptly can help maintain vehicle performance and safety.

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Maintenance2025-03-25

Everything You Need to Know about Catalytic Converter Maintenance

This article provides a comprehensive guide to catalytic converter maintenance, covering inspection, repair, and servicing. It emphasizes the importance of regular upkeep for optimal performance and fuel economy, highlighting that catalytic converters are crucial for reducing emissions and improving vehicle efficiency.

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Maintenance2025-03-11

Get Ready to Hit the Road with Pre-Trip Inspection Services

Are you about to hit the road for a long drive? Before pulling out of the driveway, ensure your car is in tip-top shape by getting a pre-trip inspection. Pre-trip inspections are essential for any long journey and help keep you safe.

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AC2025-02-25

Why You Should Keep Your Car AC in Good Working Order

It’s no secret that air conditioning is an integral part of any car. Not only does it keep your vehicle’s interior comfortable, but it also helps to dehumidify the air and prevent fogging inside your windows. But did you know that keeping your car AC in good working order can help save money on repairs?

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Engine2025-02-11

The Importance of Engines In Your Vehicle

Engines are the heart of your vehicle, converting fuel into energy to power your vehicle. Understanding how they work is vital for proper care and maintenance. Regular maintenance improves fuel efficiency, reduces harmful emissions, and extends the lifespan of your vehicle.

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Safety2025-01-28

How Do I Know If My Car Has A Recall On It?

This article explains how to determine if your car has a recall, emphasizing the importance of addressing safety-related issues. It outlines methods such as checking for mailed notices from the manufacturer, searching online using your VIN, and contacting your local dealership for information and repairs.

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AC2025-01-14

Four Reasons Why Your Car’s AC is Blowing Hot Air

It doesn’t do you any good to turn on your car’s air conditioner if it blows hot air. Summer is upon us, and you’re ready to stay nice and cool inside your automobile. Advantage Auto Service advises that there are common problems that can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air instead of cold air.

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Fleet2024-12-31

Fleet Services Help Protect Your Bottom Line

Advantage Auto Service helps fleet managers keep their vehicles on the road and protect their bottom line by offering affordable and reliable service. Maintaining fleet vehicle reliability and safety is crucial for saving money on fuel costs, ensuring driver retention, and preventing accidents and insurance issues. Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, provides maintenance and repair for shuttle buses and box trucks.

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Maintenance2024-12-17

Four Common Problems Found in Classic Cars

Classic cars, despite their allure, often come with a unique set of problems due to their age. Advantage Auto Service specializes in maintaining and repairing these vintage vehicles. This article outlines four common issues encountered in classic cars, offering insights into their causes and potential solutions.

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Brakes2024-12-03

Why Do My Brakes Squeal All the Time?

If your car's brakes are squealing, it's important to have them inspected right away. Common reasons for squealing brakes include worn brake pads, a low indicator warning, overheating, or damaged brake parts. Advantage Auto Service can diagnose and fix the issue.

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Safety2024-11-19

Shuttle Bus Driver Safety Tips

This article provides essential safety tips for shuttle bus drivers, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, proper signaling, and cautious driving. It also highlights the need for drivers to know their routes, maintain common sense, and ensure the fleet is well-maintained for passenger safety.

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Transmission2024-11-05

Nine Signs Your Transmission Is Going Out

You’re driving along and all of a sudden your engine revs and you lose power. Then, you hear a clunk and the engine engages again. This is just one sign that your transmission is going out. Advantage Automotive is going to list nine signs of automatic transmission failure below, all of which we can help you with by repairing or replacing your transmission.

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Fluids2024-10-22

Oil Changes Every 3,000 Miles Prevent a Clogged Oil Filter

Regular oil change service every 3,000 miles is crucial for your engine's performance, fuel economy, and longevity. Failure to change the oil can lead to a clogged oil filter, causing various problems such as reduced engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and issues with oil pressure. These problems can manifest as metallic engine noises and difficulties passing emissions tests.

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General2024-10-08

New Year’s Resolutions For Drivers

As the holiday season winds down, many are making New Year's resolutions. This article suggests car care and driving resolutions, encouraging drivers to consider their vehicles in their New Year's plans.

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Maintenance2024-09-24

The Importance Of Oil Changes

This article emphasizes the critical role of regular oil changes for vehicle maintenance. It explains how motor oil lubricates engine parts, removes dirt, and regulates temperature, while the oil filter cleans the oil. The article also highlights the severe consequences of dirty oil and clogged filters, which can lead to engine damage.

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Safety2024-09-10

Top Overlooked Auto Safety Issues

This article discusses commonly overlooked auto safety issues that drivers should be aware of. It covers problems with exterior lights, dying batteries, tire issues, and coolant system problems. Addressing these can prevent accidents and costly repairs.

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Maintenance2024-08-27

My Car’s Power Steering Is Acting Strange

If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s power steering is acting strange, it’s possible that the power steering pump is going bad. Advantage Auto Service can inspect the power steering system to determine if the pump needs to be replaced. Generally, a power steering pump lasts about 100,000 miles.

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Brakes2024-08-13

Why Your Brake Pedal is Hard to Push Down

If your brake pedal is hard to push down, it can be a dangerous and frustrating issue. This guide explains common causes like sludge buildup from brake fluid absorbing water, and vacuum loss in power brake systems. Addressing these problems, often with professional help, can restore safe braking.

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Engine2024-07-30

My Car’s Engine Is Picking Up Speed By Itself

If your car’s engine is picking up speed by itself, the fuel pump may be malfunctioning and sending too much gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine. Advantage Auto Service advises that this is just one sign that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. This article lists other signs of a failing fuel pump.

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Engine2024-07-16

Top Reasons Why You’ve Got a Check Engine Light On

Driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle with the check engine light on is never a good idea. A study in 2019 revealed that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems. Advantage Auto Service advises that the light can come on due to issues with the vehicle's main computer chip, various sensors, a vacuum leak, or other reasons.

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Maintenance2024-07-02

Five Things Every Car Owner Should Know How to Do

This article highlights five essential car maintenance tasks every owner should know to ensure vehicle longevity and safety. It covers basic checks like oil and transmission fluid levels, tire pressure, and crucial skills such as changing a flat tire and jumpstarting a car. These simple skills can help maintain your car and prevent being stranded in emergencies.

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Battery2024-06-18

How To Jumpstart Your Vehicle

You know the feeling: you’re ready to go, and suddenly your car won’t start. For many drivers, it’s likely the case of a dead or dying car battery. Fortunately, with a jumpstart from another vehicle, you should be able to get your vehicle running again so you can drive it to the nearest mechanic.

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Engine2024-06-04

I Just Started My Car and the Engine Is Roaring Like Crazy

If your car's engine is roaring loudly after starting, it's likely due to a stolen catalytic converter. This type of theft is common because of the precious metals in converters. Besides the noise, you'll also notice a check engine warning, jerking acceleration, slow-speed sluggishness, and noticeable exhaust odors.

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Battery2024-05-21

How Car Batteries Work

A car battery is one of the most important parts of a car. It helps start the engine and powers all of the electrical components in the car. Most car batteries are lead-acid batteries. They have six cells that produce 2 volts each for a total of 12 volts.

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Maintenance2024-05-07

The Benefits of Regular Auto Repair Maintenance

Keeping up with regular auto repair maintenance is essential for ensuring your car runs smoothly and safely. Not only does regular maintenance reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, but it can also help extend the life of your vehicle. So let’s look at some critical benefits of general auto repair maintenance.

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Engine2024-04-23

Corrosion Can Destroy Your Water Pump

A slow leak in a car's water pump can lead to corrosion and damage, potentially causing engine coolant to pool and eat through the metal. Recognizing signs of a failing water pump, such as leaks, uncirculated coolant, or growling noises, is crucial to prevent engine overheating and further damage. Prompt replacement of a faulty water pump is essential for maintaining engine health.

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Diesel2024-04-09

Seven Diesel Engine Problems That Are Very Common

Advantage Auto Service specializes in both gasoline and diesel engine repair, including fleet vehicles and box trucks. This article outlines seven common diesel engine problems they frequently address, such as hard starts, power loss, and fuel contamination.

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Transmission2024-03-26

Transmission Fluid Change: The Consequences of Not Getting Your Car’s Transmission Fluid Changed

The frequency of transmission fluid changes depends on factors like location, car age, and driving habits. Delaying this maintenance can lead to serious consequences, potentially shortening the transmission's lifespan. It's crucial to address this to avoid costly repairs.

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Safety2024-03-12

Driving Tips to Protect You and Yours This Thanksgiving

Before you pack up the car and head out for the annual Thanksgiving Day celebration at your parents’ house, consider the following tips offered by Advantage Auto Service to help ensure you have a safe trip. You’re one of millions of people driving over the Thanksgiving weekend, so you need a protective edge.

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Engine2024-02-27

Why Can’t Your Car Start Without A Starter?

Your car will not start without a starter because the engine will not suck in air and fuel and electricity will not make its way through the spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Advantage Auto Service advises that the spark plugs must ignite air and fuel in the combustion chamber in order for your engine to start. As you have probably already guessed, the starter facilitates the above. It turns the engine over so it can suck in the air and fuel and send electricity through the spark plug wires.

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Engine2024-02-13

An Overheating Engine Is a Damaged Engine

Driving with an overheating engine can cause significant damage to your vehicle. While quick fixes like adding coolant or turning on the heater might temporarily lower the temperature, they don't address the root cause. Continued driving with an overheating engine can lead to serious issues such as premature gasoline detonation, scuffed pistons, blown head gaskets, or even a cracked engine block.

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Maintenance2024-02-03

Spreading Vehicle Maintenance Knowledge in Cobb County

Advantage Auto Service partnered with the Cobb Marietta Junior League and Smyrna Business Exchange BNI group to host an Automotive 101 training session on February 3rd, 2024. The event aimed to equip volunteers with basic vehicle maintenance knowledge, such as identifying tire wear and changing air filters. This initiative empowers women in the community with practical automotive know-how, aligning with the league's mission to foster leadership and community engagement.

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Fluids2024-01-30

How Can I Tell if My Brake Fluid Level Is Low?

You can tell if your brake fluid is low by looking at the fluid level in the reservoir, but this does not necessarily mean that you should add brake fluid to the reservoir, even if reads low. It’s more complicated than adding a quart of oil to your engine if it needs oil.

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Engine2024-01-16

Four Signs Your Car’s Thermostat Is Bad

A car's thermostat is crucial for regulating engine coolant temperature. After about ten years, it's likely to fail. This article outlines four key signs indicating it's time to replace your car's thermostat.

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Engine2024-01-02

Is Your Oxygen Sensor Going Bad? Here Are Signs That it Is!

Part of your vehicle’s exhaust system, the oxygen or O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen your automobile is releasing through its tailpipe. Too much or too little oxygen can cause problems, including engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions issues.

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Engine2023-12-19

What Causes Coolant to Dilute Motor Oil?

A cracked head gasket can cause coolant to mix with motor oil, leading to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. This mixture can result in coolant loss, engine overheating, and excess exhaust due to burning oil and coolant. It is crucial to have the vehicle towed for repair to prevent further damage.

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General2023-12-05

Perks You Should Expect From Your Auto Mechanic

Taking your car in for service or repair can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Your auto mechanic should make the visit as pleasurable as possible by offering customer service beyond honest service and repair at reasonable prices. You deserve perks that will help you forget you’re stuck at the mechanic.

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Suspension2023-11-21

What Is The Suspension System, And How Do You Know If It Needs Repair?

A healthy suspension system is crucial to ensure your vehicle drives comfortably and safely — but what is the suspension exactly? What does it do, and how do you know if it’s not operating properly? Read on to learn about the suspension system’s role in your car’s wellbeing and how to tell if it needs repair.

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Transmission2023-11-07

Signs Your Manual Transmission Clutch Is Going Bad

A manual transmission clutch doesn't have a set lifespan, and its longevity depends on the driver. This article outlines key indicators that your clutch may be failing, such as odd engine revving, grinding gears, or difficulty engaging gears. Advantage Auto Service recommends an inspection if these signs are present to determine appropriate maintenance or repairs.

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Diesel2023-10-24

What Are The Advantages Of A Diesel Powered Engine?

Diesel engines have evolved significantly from their loud and dirty past, now offering numerous advantages for vehicle owners. These benefits include better fuel economy due to higher torque and more energy-rich fuel, leading to less frequent fill-ups and offsetting potentially higher fuel costs. Additionally, diesel cars tend to maintain better resale value compared to conventional and hybrid vehicles.

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Tires2023-10-10

How Often Should I Inspect My Tires?

Tire care is crucial to the safety of your automobile, and regular inspections are essential. This article discusses the importance of inspecting tires monthly, rotating them every six months or 6,000 miles, and balancing wheels after rotation. It also highlights the need for annual wheel alignments to ensure even wear and safe vehicle control.

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Engine2023-09-26

Why Does My Check Engine Light Come On?

This article explains common reasons why a vehicle's check engine light (CEL) might illuminate. It covers issues such as oxygen sensor problems, catalytic converter failure, faulty mass airflow sensors, and worn spark plugs or wires. The article also mentions a loose gas cap as a simple cause for the CEL.

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